There are as many different and unique love stories as there are people in the world (divided by two, probably). Which is why, for some reason, humanity will never seem to grow tired of venturing into the world of other people’s romantic complications and escapades. Do we enjoy imagining ourselves instead of one of the characters? Do we rejoice from seeing the magical powers of love and how profoundly it affects people? The answers to these two questions might help us explain our attachment to romantic books.
Love knows no historical time period, but it’s certainly interesting to see how different it was back in the days. Fortunately, these customs have been, more or less, written down for our enjoyment. We give you The 8 Romantic Books To Read Before You Die.
#1 Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
There are few romantic books that have managed to reach an iconic status the way Jane Austen’s most famous novel did. Written at the dawn of the 19th century, it depicts the charming story of Elizabeth Bennett, a girl with an independent and free-spirited mind, who gets mixed with the stoic and arrogant Mr. Darcy.
#2 Outlander, Diana Gabaldon
Outlander is one of those novels that’s definitely on its way to climbing the ladder and counting itself among the most iconic romantic books of all time. It has everything from charming characters, historical accuracy, time-travel, and a poignant rawness that was usually missing from most dolled up love stories.
#3 Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronte
Emily Bronte’s timeless romance novel stirred a lot of controversy upon its initial release, but this is usually how you know something is bound to be game-changing. The book features the blooming romantic feelings of protagonist Heathcliff developed for his foster sister, Catherine. When one comment is overheard at the Wuthering Heights estate, the course of their lives is changed forever.
#4 The Notebook, Nicholas Sparks
Good ole Nicholas Sparks has earned a reputation as one of the most famous contemporary romance novel authors, with The Notebook being its absolute masterpiece. It inspired Hollywood and Bollywood adaptations and there are no other romantic books that tell the story of a rich girl and a poor boy as good as this one.
#5 Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy
You can rank Anna Karenina among some of the most complex novels of all time. It’s a tragedy as much as it is one of the best romantic suspense books. The action takes place in the upper class society of 19th century Russia and it tells the tale of the sacrifices Anna Karenina is willing to make in order to be with her love, including intense social repercussions.
#6 The Fault In Our Stars, John Green
Romantic books for teens are a special category altogether and, as far as this genre goes, there are several novels that float above the water. John Green favors intricate relationships and romances that come with valuable life lessons, something that will definitely benefit any young readers seeking to close a book with something new.
#7 Gone With The Wind, Margaret Mitchell
If you’ve seen the movie, you must read the book. It’s the only writing that Margaret Mitchell left behind, but it was sufficiently successful to earn her numerous prizes and sales of over thirty million copies. The book is filled with spunky romance and the harsh conditions of a society torn apart by civil war.
#8 Doctor Zhivago, Boris Pasternak
Doctor Zhivago was published during a time when the USSR was still going strong and its release wasn’t without its repercussions. The book, this time, tells the tale of the amorous complications in Yuri Zhivago’s life, a physician, philosopher, and poet who is trapped by his love for two women.